Anoka jumped to an early lead and held off a slow-starting Maple Grove high school football team 16-10 in a Northwest Suburban Conference game at Maple Grove Friday.

The Crimson were lackluster in the first half and paid the price. Even their usually stellar defense had an off night as the Tornadoes opened with a 24-yard field goal in the first quarter and broke a 78-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The Crimson managed only a 33-yard field goal by Matt Shuba in the second quarter.

"Anoka came ready to play and I don't think we were ready to play for whatever reason," Maple Grove coach Craig Hansen said. "That was disappointing. Anoka played a very inspired game and played hard throughout. In the second half we put forth a better effort but it wasn't enough."

The Tornadoes opened a 16-3 lead in the third quarter when they broke another long run, this time a 49-yarder, for a touchdown.

"That was probably our poorest defensive night of the year," Hansen said. "We just didn't execute well."

The Crimson finally found their game in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Mitch Brecke was on target as he found receivers Nick Brenckman, Andrew Linde and Greg Martin for key completions. He capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Martin. Shuba kick made it 16-10 but the Crimson ran out of time.

Hansen found some positive notes in the loss. The offense was more efficient, especially its passing game in the second half, and the special team played its best game of the season, he said.

"We had only one turnover and we had six in the game before," Hansen said. "And we had only two penalties. Those were big improvements."

However, Hansen said the Crimson must play four strong quarters and play well in all phases of the game from now on. "Team-wise, we have not put our team game together in the last half of the season," he said. "We did earlier in the year but in the last half our offense and defense seemed to take turn playing well."

The Crimson conclude the regular season at Park Center Wednesday, Oct. 16. Section play begins Tuesday, Oct. 22.

"Wayzata and Buffalo are on top in the sections," Hansen said. "There is quite a mix in the middle. For us, a victory against Park Center will be the best as far as seeding goes. But more importantly we need to find ourselves as a team — offense, defense, and special team."